Approximately 90% of the global population is right-handed, a trait that distinguishes humans from other primates, who show a more balanced hand preference. Researchers from the University of Oxford have investigated this prominent characteristic, suggesting that it is linked to two significant evolutionary advancements: bipedalism and increased brain size.
In a study published in PLOS Biology, the team analyzed data from 2,025 individuals across 41 species of monkeys and apes to explore existing theories regarding handedness. They discovered that initial hypotheses focusing on tool use and dietary habits did not adequately explain the prevalence of right-handedness in humans. However, when the researchers considered the combination of larger brains and the ratio of arm to leg length, the dominance of right-handedness among humans became clearer.
Thomas Püschel, the study's lead author, emphasized that these findings reveal a connection between handedness and critical human traits. The evolution of bipedal locomotion allowed for more specialized hand use, suggesting that the physical attributes of early human ancestors played a vital role in establishing the prevailing right-hand bias.